Buyende, Uganda: A major fatherhood intervention targeting over 40,000 young men is transforming families and reducing gender-based violence in Buyende District, one of the areas previously flagged among Uganda’s worst-hit by defilement and domestic violence.
The initiative, implemented by HOLD Uganda under the Responsible, Engaged and Loving (REAL) Fathers Project, comes against the backdrop of alarming crime trends that placed Buyende at the centre of child protection and family breakdown concerns.
According to Uganda Police crime statistics, Buyende ranked among the highest contributors to defilement and assault cases. Out of the 8,240 defilement cases recorded nationally, Busoga North registered 334, with Buyende alone accounting for 210.
In assault cases, the country recorded 29,580 incidents, of which Busoga North had 942, including 680 from Buyende. The district also reported 2,886 sexual-related cases, nearly half of the sub-region’s 5,876.
District LC5 Chairperson Michael Kanaku said the figures—based only on reported cases—reflect deeper structural issues in parenting, family systems, and community values.
“With irresponsibly brought up populations, government and communities stand to lose when the youth turn into fathers, which greatly affects development and social stability,” Kanaku said.
He added that high defilement and domestic violence rates are closely linked to early marriages and unprepared parenthood, calling for renewed focus on parenting and social responsibility.
The district has since partnered with development actors to roll out interventions, including reviving traditional community engagement models such as “moonlighting,” now adapted under the REAL Fathers Project.
The programme, supported by the Impact and Innovations Development Centre (IIDC), the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and funded by the LEGO Foundation, targets young fathers aged 16 to 25 with training in parenting, communication, gender roles, and household responsibility.
“The REAL Fathers Project has saved many families from breaking down, partner and domestic violence and improved productivity,” Kanaku noted. “It aligns with our vision for a more equitable society where women and children are treated with dignity.”
HOLD Uganda Executive Director Charles Mudhumba said the programme has so far trained 19,000 young fathers and is scaling up to reach an additional 20,000 across Busoga.
“As a result, men are becoming responsible, engaged, loving towards their families, more involved in childcare, communicating better with their partners, and reducing violent behavior,” Mudhumba said. “Some men now escort their wives to health facilities and actively participate in their children’s education.”
He explained that the programme integrates mentorship, home visits, group engagements, and community campaigns to address gaps left by the decline in traditional counselling structures.
“The REAL Fathers target young men at a critical transition stage and equip them with parenting skills, communication, and early childhood development knowledge to ensure children grow in safe and nurturing environments,” he added.
Buyende District Senior Probation and Social Welfare Officer Rachael Mirembe described the intervention as timely, noting early signs of impact in reducing domestic violence and stabilising families.
“Buyende district was ranked highest in defilement and domestic violence, but HOLD Uganda’s intervention is already showing results in sub-counties like Ngandho, Bugaya and Gumpi,” she said. “We are seeing fewer cases reported through our probation office and helpline.”
Mirembe emphasized that mentoring young fathers at a critical stage helps break cycles of violence and strengthens early childhood development outcomes. “It educates fathers on nurturing early learning, productivity, and literacy among children,” she added.
For beneficiaries like Charles Odeke of Kagulu, the programme has been life-changing. “Man, you never appreciate the family miracle that HOLD Uganda brought. Just ask my wife, parents and in-laws who had written our marriage off,” he said.
“I was the chief commando full of negative energy, treating my wife as property, but now we are real, engaged and loving.”
Local leaders say the initiative is not only restoring families but also contributing to broader social stability by promoting shared responsibility, gender equality, and positive parenting practices.
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